Kenya’s cross-country top crème comes together at Kenya Prisons Training College in Ruiru today as Athletics Kenya host World Cross Country trials to pick to represent the country at World Cross Country Championships on February 18th in Bathurst, Australia.
One of the standout athletes on show in the women’s 10km event will be the Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist, Cheptai who is fresh from winning AK Cross Country Weekend meet in Iten and will be up against World 5000m silver medallist Beatrice Chebet, Mercy Cherono, Judy Kiyeng, Africa 10,000m champion Caroline Nyaga and 2019 world 3000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech, Sandrafelis Chebet and Virginia Nyambura will spice up the race.
Kibiwott Kandie of Kenya defense forces will lead a 10km men’s battle that has also attracted Commonwealth 10,000m silver medallist and National Police recruit Daniel Simiu, world 10,000m silver medallist Stanley Waithaka.
Kandi’s stiffest opponents will be the reigning world 10km road race record holder Rhonex Kipruto and Geoffrey Kamworor, former world under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Amos Serem, 2018 world U-20 5000m champion Edward Zakayo, Commonwealth 3000m steeplechase champion Abraham Kibiwott and Daniel Mateiko.
The World Under-20 3000m bronze medallist Nancy Cherop will lead Cardiff Cross Challenge winner Pamela Kosgei in 6km junior women.
Emmanuel Wafula and Samuel Kibathi will spearhead the men’s under-20 8km event that has also attracted Ismail Kirui of Torongo athletics club in Baringo.
The 2011 World Cross-Country 6km silver medallist Purity Cherotich will be seeking to make an impact in the 2km senior race where the panel of selectors will use the event to pick the mixed relay squad.
The World under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyony, Noah Kibet, Leonard Bett and Abel Kipsang will line up in the men’s 2km race.
For the 6km Under-20 women, 8km Under-20 men and 10km senior (men and women) categories, the first six athletes to cross the finish line will make the cut.
